1996 Jaguar XK8 vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Jaguar XK8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Jaguar XK8 would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Jaguar XK8 (291 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Jaguar XK8 weights approximately 447 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Jaguar XK8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Jaguar XK8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Jaguar XK8 (393 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Jaguar XK8 | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XK8 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1653 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 45 L |
